Foundations in International Law

* Priority will be given to students registered for the LL.M (International and Comparative Law) degree programme.  Any available places will be opened to students on other LLM (General) programme in September 2025. Admissions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure suitability for the module.

This module explores the foundations of international law. The module will cover the history and theory of international law, the sources of international law (customary international law, treaties, general principle of law, and soft law), the subjects of international law (states, international organizations, individuals, and corporations), and the determination and enforcement of international responsibility.

The module aims to introduce students to the foundational rules and principles of international law and apply them to contemporary transnational and global issues. The module does so by providing students with a solid theoretical foundation in the subject, grounded in both legal and political theory. Students will then explore the subject by engaging with both primary materials (treaties and other international instruments, case law, and relevant domestic legislation) and academic commentary and will be asked to consider international law from a critical perspective in light of the contemporary issues presented.

This module will give students a theoretical understanding of international law in its broader context and practical skills to navigate complex issues arising in contemporary international and transnational relations. The module will also consider current themes and issues that arise in general international law and its specialised fields, which may include international criminal justice, international investment law, international environmental law, or international cyber law. After gaining an in-depth understanding of the foundations of international law, students will consider how international law responds to these contemporary issues. The topics will be explored through primary materials and selected academic literature. Overall, the module will provide students with the opportunity to explore and evaluate the fluid relationship between international law, politics, economics, and culture, in the context of real-world international law issues.   

The module will be assessed based on two components. During the module, students will participate in a simulated in-person activity/practice exercise, such as an international negotiation. At the end of the module, students will complete an independent research essay, on a topic approved by the lecturer, that explores in detail some topic covered in or suggested by the module.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Identify core principles and rules international law and evaluate its application to a range of domestic, regional and international issues
• Identify and analyse contemporary issues in international law and to develop practical solutions based on relevant concepts and theoretical approaches
• Critically analyse the interplay between international law and politics at the domestic, regional and global levels;
• To conduct effective and critical research regarding relevant legal instruments and case law by international, regional and domestic institutions, including courts and tribunals;
• To proficiently and effectively use the terminology of international law in oral and written communication.

Assessment

• 5,000-word essay (inc. footnotes) – 80%
• Simulated in-person activity/practice exercise – 20%
• Class attendance (pass/fail)

In case of a failure to pass any of the assessment components, the module leader will provide a make-up assignment.

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